### Simon Cowell remembers his first reaction
Simon Cowell reflected on the devastating moment he learned of Liam Payne’s passing.
The "X Factor" creator, who first met Payne when the singer auditioned as a teenager, shared that the news deeply affected him.
> "It was a bit like I felt when I heard the news when my dad passed away," Cowell said.
He explained that he was overwhelmed by shock and sadness, describing Payne as someone with huge talent and a kind personality. Cowell noted that hearing about the loss of someone so young reminded him of how fragile life can be.
### A bond formed through music
Cowell reminisced about the early days of One Direction, saying he still remembers the group’s audition and the impact Payne made from the start. He shared that watching Liam grow over the years, both personally and professionally, made the loss even harder to bear.
> "You never expect to lose someone like that so soon," he admitted.
Cowell concluded by expressing his condolences to Payne’s family, friends, and fans, adding that Liam left behind a legacy that will not be forgotten.
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**Author summary:** Simon Cowell expressed profound grief over Liam Payne’s death, comparing it to the loss of his father and remembering the singer as a gifted, kind-hearted artist.
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Entertainment Weekly on MSN — 2025-11-29